Tips to Grooming Dogs

By Fran Black Animals generally like to be left alone and are not very comfortable when someone touches them. Hence, in the beginning, dogs don't generally respond positively to the grooming routine. In order to make the process easier teach the dog early on to allow all parts of his body to be touched, handled, and groomed without objection. The goal is to teach the dog, first that such touch does not hurt, then that touch must be accepted, then later, that such touch is actually pleasant.

Ears Check your dog's ears twice per month. The skin inside and on the flaps should be paile pink. If there is a foul odor and/or any red brown or black skin, have a vetinarian examine the dog's ears. Moiston a cotton ball with warm water or a small amount of mineral oil and use to to clean the opening into the canal and the flaps. Do not probe too deeply into the dog's ear canal.

Bathing Place a rummer mat or towel in the bottom of the bathtub or sink prior to bathing your dog. This will provide the dog secure footing. Always brush the dog before you bathe, getting a tangled, matted coat wet will only make it worse.Place a cotton ball in each of the dog's ears to prevent water from entering their ears. Rinse the dog with warm water. Use a spray hose if one is available. Be sure to keep the nozzel very close to the dog's body. Never spray him or her in the face.

Use shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Use it in small amounts, working from head to tail. Be sure to clean between toes, behind ears and under the chin. Avoid getting shampoo in the dog's eyes. Rinse the dog thoroughly with warm water, making sure that you get all excess soap out of their coat. Towel dry the dog.

Trimming and Clipping There are many things to consider when trimming a coat. Firstly, and most importantly, is the type of dog and condition of the coat. Since hair is a reflection of a proper diet, good environmental condition, each coat type will vary from one dog to another.

There is some debate about whether a summer haircut will actually help a dog. Clipping a dog is a laborious procedure, and may not be a good idea for the dog. Some professionals argue the coat insulates the dog, keeping out the heat, UV rays, and insects. Consider all factors prior to making a decision about clipping a dog.

Grooming Tips Start grooming from an early age. That way, the pet will get use to grooming. Never let the dog mistake grooming tools for toys. Don't let the dog play with brush or clippers because the dog may start treating grooming sessions as play time. Never hit your pet with a grooming tool or the dog will start associating grooming tool with punishment and will try to avoid grooming session.

Brush the dog regularly and the dog will become comfortable with the process and may even look forward to it. Let the dog sniff the brush and comb before grooming begins. Dogs don't generally like being touched with an unfamiliar object. Throughout the grooming talk to the dog in a reassuring tone. Always be as gentle as possible while brushing your pet. All dogs have sensitive areas that need to be groomed more carefully than others. Consideration will make the dog less likely to resist grooming sessions in the future.

About the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet management.

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Ins and Outs of Dog Grooming

Dog grooming may sound simple, but it is more involved than just washing and drying your canine friend. There are some important health benefits that can be obtained by either learning the proper techniques or visiting a professional dog groomer on a regular basis. Not only do you address their fur but you also address their paws, ears, and other important senses.

Dog grooming as it pertains to the ears involves periodic cleanings and inspections. Your veterinarian or dog groomer will recommend a saline solution or similar product to help dissolve excess earwax. Make sure you learn the proper techniques before trying this to avoid injuries to their sensitive eardrums. Your vet will show you how to do it and what to look for, especially if your dog has longer hair. These dogs are more prone to ear infections than their short-haired counterparts.

When grooming your dog you will want to inspect their paws thoroughly. Look for any cuts or swollen areas that may indicate an injury has occured. If you find anything contact your veterinarian immediately to help avoid infections or other problems that can occur. And if all looks good, get a good set of dog nail clippers and trim their nails. Use a similar technique to what you do for yourself and avoid taking too much nail off.

If you ever noticed your dog dragging his behind across the floor you should take him to a professional groomer. He is trying to release some fluid buildup in small sacs located under his tail. Groomers can clean or 'express' your dogs' anal glands which will give your canine family member some much needed relief. This type of dog grooming should definitely be left up to the professionals.

Just like with your own body, periodic grooming is necessary to keep your dog healthy. You can do some of the basics yourself especially with a little education. There are many books out there that go into precise details. You should also have your dog visit a professional groomer at least once per year for a good once over. Doing this can go a long way towards him living a happy and healthy life.

James McDonald writes for discount-dog-products.com where you can find many different discount dog products for just about any breed. And additionally, we have many informative articles to help any dog owner with some of the common questions.

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Dog Health and Grooming

by Colin L Wolfenden What can you do to improve the health of your dog, its coat, and its skin that is cheap and effective? Grooming that's what! A small investment of time and money for grooming can yield numerous benefits for your dog's health!

Is your dog's coat looking dull, tatty and matted? Is your dog's sad looking coat causing you to worry about his/her overall health? Sometimes the simple things can often provide very effective benefits, and in the case of the health of your dog, grooming is one of these simple measures that can yield big results.

Dog health and grooming go hand in hand as the act of grooming has numerous benefits that can help prevent many dog health problems before they arise. Like humans, regular grooming and attention to changes in the skin, eyes, and teeth can help maintain health and prolong the life of your pet, as many indications of possible health problems are noticed and addressed before they progress to something more sinister.

Health Benefits of Grooming
* Grooming removes dead hair leaving only the healthy hair behind, which immediately looks better. It also lets air circulate through the coat better reducing any odor, keeps the dog cooler, and looks cleaner. It is also a good idea to bath your dog regularly with a quality dog shampoo to further improve the benefits of general grooming.

* Grooming stimulates blood flow, which in turn improves blood supply to the hair follicles working wonders for the health of the overall coat.

* Grooming also stimulates the lymphatic system, thus having a positive affect on the dog's overall health in the same way that a massage does for humans.

Residual Benefits of Grooming Aside from the more obvious physical health benefits of grooming there are other benefits such as: -
* Bonding with your Dog - While grooming your dog you are helping to create a bond between you and your pet because of the physical touching and interaction. This also has a positive effect on the dog's emotional state as it feels more comfortable and safe in your hands. Dogs always love the attention they get during grooming.

* Knowing your pet - While grooming your dog you get to know your pet better and know what he/she likes or dislikes, and its favorite and least favorite places to be touched or brushed. Knowing your pet will help you to notice any changes that may indicate a health problem, for instance if your dog suddenly flinches when touched in an area where it usually loves to be touched would alert you to investigate the cause of the tenderness.

* Spot Possible Health Dangers - While grooming your dog you can check the skin for possible skin rashes and problems like hair loss or lumps. Also check for signs that your dog has been scratching a certain area of the skin which would indicate some sort of irritation such as worms, fleas, mites or ticks. Ticks in particular can be deadly if left undetected and a thorough visual check of the dog's skin should be a regular part of your dog health and grooming strategy. It is a good idea to check the eyes for any signs of sight or health problems while grooming your dog. Also check the pads and nails of the paws for problems that may require attention along with the teeth for signs of decay or gum problems.

Possible Bonus Benefit for You
If you find that you enjoy grooming and become quite competent, you may consider starting your own dog grooming service to make a few extra dollars or perhaps turn it into a full time business. Dog grooming services are in high demand and can be very profitable. There is nothing better than making a living doing something that you enjoy.

What You Need to Start?
It is important to get the right grooming tools and information on grooming techniques. The internet has is a wealth of information about grooming along with numerous sites that sell a range of grooming tools. Other sources are local pet supply stores or alternatively most towns and cities have a local dog association where dog lovers can meet and exchange ideas. Public libraries may also have books on dog grooming.

The benefits to your dog's health by regular grooming far outweigh the small outlay of money for the grooming tools, and time spent grooming. Your dog's coat will look shiny and healthy and the health of your dog's skin will also be improved. Spend a little time on your pet and he/she will love you for it.

About the Author
Colin L Wolfenden holds a Bach of IT, is webmaster for http://www.impressiveebooks.com http://www.my-resource.com and is author of articles on a variety of subjects

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